2021 Law School Essentials For New Law Students

2021 Law School Essentials For New Law Students

Starting law school is an exciting journey that should be met with enthusiasm but is often met with a little anxiety. We get it – starting law school can be intimidating. With all the textbooks you need to buy, a new grading system, and new classmates, starting law school out can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, this is a normal feeling that almost every new law student gets! Let’s make sure that you know exactly what 2021 law school essentials you’ll need before stepping foot into your first class.

2021 Law School Essentials For New Law Students

1. A Laptop/iPad

Law school is fast-paced and content-heavy. Almost everything in law school is done electronically, which means you will need some sort of computer. Most students realize quickly that trying to take notes by hand is cumbersome and inefficient. There’s simply too much material to attempt to jot down by hand. A computer allows you to keep everything you need stored in one place that is easily accessible. A laptop is a staple at nearly every law school. In addition, more and more students have been adopting an iPad or other tablet with a keyboard attachment.

2. Pens/Highlighters

Speaking of jotting things down by hand, you’re going to need some pens and highlighters. Preferably high-quality ones that you feel comfortable using on a daily (ok, hourly) basis. Kidding kidding. In all seriousness though, pens and highlighters are essential items to keep stocked in your backpack and desk. You never know when you might have to scribble a couple notes in the margin of your textbook or quickly highlight a court’s holding.

3. Interview Attire/Business Attire

This is often an item that law students seem to overlook until it’s crunch time. Law school brings with it a number of events that require business attire. It may be a mock trial hearing, a requirement for a class assignment, or for summer internship interviews. Whatever the reason, make sure that you have business attire ready to go.

4. Headphones

Have a roommate that stays up all night gaming? Sitting next to a chatty group in the library? Want to avoid the last-minute questions from classmates minutes before a final exam? Headphones are your answer. Investing in a good pair of headphones is essential for law school. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your head in a book and distractions can ruin focus. Having a tool to silence the outside world and allow you to enter a study zone is both enjoyable and practical.

5. Water Bottle

Hydration is key to a healthy and active mind. Having a reusable water bottle is not only good for the environment but is also good for your health. Most law schools now have standalone water bottle refill stations specifically for reusable bottles. Some law school classes are over two hours long and staying hydrated is important to keeping your mind alert.

6. Your Updated Resume

Always make sure to have an updated copy of your resume on hand and ready to go. Many law schools offer services designed to help students update their resumes and tailor them appropriately. We recommend taking advantage of these services as you’re going to be handing out that resume a lot.  With a resume ready to go, you can jump right into applying for those 1L summer internships.

 7. A Sturdy Backpack/Bookbag

Law school textbooks weigh a ton and sometimes you’re going to have to lug two or three around simultaneously. Given the heft of law school textbooks, you’re going to want a sturdy backpack to carry everything. At max capacity, your bag is likely going to have textbooks, notebooks, a laptop, pens, headphones, etc.…so size up if you’re in doubt!

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